Council scrambles to resolve contract

The Clarion-Ledger, 10/1/8

The city of Jackson faced a possible wastewater crisis Tuesday night as officials scrambled to come up with a plan to amend a contract that was to expire at midnight.

Just before 9 p.m., Jackson Mayor Frank Melton issued an emergency executive order extending the contract by 15 days to allow city public works officials to meet with representatives of three companies that have bids on a multimillion-dollar wastewater management contract.

Council members were set to vote on a five-year contract with New Jersey-based United Water when both Melton and council members questioned the integrity of the bidding process.

A difference of opinion between Melton and the council led to uncertainty and confusion during council discussions.